ACT Alliance welcomed the adoption of the Agreed Conclusions at the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) on 9 March 2026, marking a historic moment as the outcome document was adopted by recorded vote rather than consensus. The document focused on ensuring and strengthening access to justice for all women and girls, promoting inclusive and equitable legal systems, eliminating discriminatory laws and practices, and addressing structural barriers. The vote, with 37 in favor, 1 against, and 6 abstentions, demonstrated that a majority of Member States remain committed to advancing gender equality despite polarization and contested negotiations, including attempts to roll back language on sexual and reproductive health, intersectionality, gender identity, and accountability.
Faith-based actors and broader civil society played a key role in defending the agreed language and advocating for justice. UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted the fragility of progress, noting that rights can be rolled back more quickly than they are won. Experts emphasized the need for comprehensive legal reform, particularly in family law, to dismantle structural inequalities and ensure marginalized women can exercise their rights to equality, dignity, and justice. ACT Alliance recognized the Agreed Conclusions as a multilateral commitment to strengthening justice systems, defending gender equality, and resisting efforts to weaken international human rights standards, while noting the need for a stronger link to gender equality and full human rights for women and girls.
The CSW70 Agreed Conclusions reaffirm core human rights standards, maintain language on universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights, and strengthen commitments to intersectional approaches. They recognize the role of civil society, including youth-led organizations, feminist groups, and faith-based actors, and call for gender-responsive justice systems, stronger accountability, and reparations for rights abuses. The document addresses barriers to justice such as discriminatory laws, gender stereotypes, stigma, power imbalances, and intersecting forms of discrimination, while emphasizing the elimination of discrimination in family and marriage laws.
ACT Alliance, represented at CSW70 by members from multiple regions, highlighted challenges in equitable participation due to visa restrictions and shrinking civic space, stressing that CSW must remain inclusive. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to challenging harmful norms, reforming discriminatory laws, and building transformative alliances for gender justice. ACT Alliance will continue working with governments, feminist movements, and civil society partners to ensure that the promises of CSW70 translate into tangible and lasting change for communities worldwide.
